100 years ago, 1917
Eighteen new rubber coats have recently been added to the equipment of the Auburn fire department. These coats are of fine quality and are modern in every respect. On the back of each is printed the letters, “A.F.D.”

50 years ago, 1967
Reconstruction of Cedar Street in Lewiston from Lincoln Street to Lisbon Street, and rebuilding two major New Auburn intersections are included in proposals of the recent Wilbur Smith and Associates transportation survey. The Cedar Street project, estimated to cost $402,900, would widen Cedar Street starting at the bridge. A new roadway would be built for the eastbound lane of traffic up to Birch Street. The westbound traffic on Birch Street also would have a new approach to Cedar Street. Cost of the work on intersections at Mill and Main streets and Mill and Broad streets in New Auburn would be $59,000. To improve the radius and visibility on the northeast corner, three buildings would have to come down.

25 years ago, 1992
Attention focused on upgrading Mechanic Falls police and fire department vehicles at the monthly Town Council meeting Monday night. Councilors accepted the only bid tendered for a new police cruiser an offer from Louis Chevrolet of Auburn to provide a 1992 Chevrolet Caprice for $15,265. Acceptance is contingent upon working out an agreeable arrangement to trade in the town’s old vehicle. Town Manager Dana Lee and Fire Chief Oliver Emery told of locating three used ladder trucks worth consideration. They are of 1962, 1996 and 1968 vintage, and one of them, Lee said, has such a long ladder that it’s a foot and a half longer than the garage where it would be housed.

The material in Looking Back is reproduced exactly as it originally appeared, although misspellings and errors made at that time may be edited.